Lower Heating Cost with Furnace Maintenance

Lower your heating costs this winter with Furnace Maintenance

While lowering home heating bills is always a hot topic this time of year it is of special concern this winter considering how heating costs have soared in the last few years. What's worse, it doesn't matter if you use electricity, oil, or natural gas as your main heating source, you can expect a significant increase in energy costs this winter. Don't despair though, here is still hope. Take a look at our top "energy savers" listed below and learn how to better keep old man winter at bay.

If these steps don't resolve your issues, you may need a professional Heating Contractor.

Simple Savings:
1. Turn your thermostat 5 degrees lower for some real savings.You can always snuggle under a blanket while watching television or use a sweater as more than an indoor fashion statement.

2. Don't heat rooms that you don't regularly use such as a craft or guest room.

3. If you have a fireplace but don't use it for heat get a piece of foam insulation and seal up the chimney to reduce your heat loss.

4. Replace your old thermostat with a programmable one that allows you to automatically decrease furnace use during the times that people are not present and/or awake.

More Savings:
1. Check your furnace filter monthly and clean (or replace) as necessary. Reduced air intake due to a dirty air filter will negatively impact the efficiency of your furnace.

2. Have your furnace ductwork cleaned out by a professional on a regular basis. We recommend once a year for most homes.

3. Open your window blinds on the sunny side of the home to maximize the benefit of solar heat gain.Alternately, be sure to close them as soon as the sun is not shining into the house to minimize the loss of heat.

4. Seal up the air leaks in your home. The primary offenders for air leaks are your windows and doors.On a windy or cold day check around each window and door to see if air is getting inside.Take care of any leaks you find by using weather stripping, caulking, or foam insulation to create a better seal.

5. If you have older windows consider using plastic “shrink and seal” indoor window kits for increased insulation.Depending upon the age of your windows the effects can be dramatic and kits typically run under five dollars per room.

6. Don't run bathroom or kitchen ventilation fans any longer than necessary.The fans are more effective than you would expect at venting the heat right out of your home!

7. Have your furnace inspected, and repaired as necessary, so that it is running as efficiently as possible as you enter the winter months.

Long Term Savings:
Increase the “R-Value” of your home's insulation in the walls and attic to reduce heat loss. A common recommendation would be to have R-30 or greater in the attic and R-12 to R-20 in the walls of the house.

** When the time comes for you replace your furnace be sure to choose a high efficiency model (90% or higher) which will reduce the energy used.Heating bill savings can be significant over the period of just a few years. Find Pre-Screened Heating Contractors - Free Estimates